Bob Finley Obituary's Obituary
Bobby Eugene Finley was born October 6, 1921, to Paul 'Dad' and Alice (Wensel) Finley in Allerton, Iowa. Bob passed away on February 20, 2013, at the Calvin Community Retirement Center, Des Moines where had resided for the last six years. After graduating school in Allerton, Bob attended Iowa State University until America was attacked in World War II. Bob enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the 226 Signal Operations Company where he was sent to the State of Oregon to learn the enemy's languages. Bob became fluent in German, Italian, and French and was sent to the Mediterranean and North African campaigns where he learned much about each culture while stationed in Tunis. As the enemy fell, Bob's 226 Company advanced into Southern France and moved up to join the forces that ultimately lead to the defeat of Germany. While in the Mediterranean, Bob developed an interest in the variety of fish and marine wildlife and after the war, Bob returned to Washington State to continue his education and received his degree in Marine Biology. You could say that he was 'hooked.' Bob began his career with the Iowa State Conservation Commission where he did lake studies. He was employed by the United States Government within the Department of Interior first and later the Department of Commerce where he developed a comprehensive educational program to increase fish consumption by the American public as well as enticing states to raise fish commercially. Furthermore, Bob helped restaurants develop their menu selections and even shared his wealth of kitchen-tested recipes with most. He was featured often on various talk shows and TV giving demonstrations to schools, supermarkets, and restaurants. It was also Bob's duty to oversee the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries while employed in Chicago monitoring the type and number of fish taken from the Great Lakes. He traveled often from his office in Chicago to Washington, DC and served luncheons to the ladies of the White House on various occasions. (Mrs. Agnew was his favorite.) Bob retired from Federal Service on July 27, 1979, with the National Marine Fisheries Service. In 1984, Bob was 69 years old and returned to Allerton, Iowa, to purchase the Morgan House and the Inn of the Six Toed Cat, restoring both to their former glory. Bob formed a lasting friendship with many of his friends who together helped him realize his dream of 'giving Back' and 'gaining Back' his memories of his beloved Allerton home. Bob's life had been filled with such adventure that is hard to believe it all could have happened. But his collection of pictures tell the story how this Iowa boy rubbed shoulders with the Rockefellers, Julia and Paul Child, Presidents and Vice Presidents, Governors, including Terry Brandstad, the founders of such well known restaurants Red Lobster and Long John Silvers. Bob served as a judge many times at our state fair and once was asked to judge a tuna catch on the Fleischmann Yacht for the rich and famous of New England. He even was an announcer for the Llama Sales around the country. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Maxine Riley Staben. Survivors include his great nieces, cousins and many friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Allerton Christian Church, the Allerton Old-Time Soda Fountain, or the Round Barn. 'In such a SOUDOUVIOUS Occasion, I have had a GENTEEL SUFFICIENCY.' -Bob Finley Book Travel to Services To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bob Finley Obituary please visit our Sympathy Store.
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